Catamaran Tour to the Arches, Playa las Animas, Snorkeling and more

Los Arcos of Mismaloya is the star of this Puerto Vallarta boat day. You ride south across the bay, eat breakfast on board, then get in the water among the famous rock formations and tropical fish before heading to Playa Las Animas. Snorkeling and the open bar are included, along with snacks, lunch at the beach, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

I like the mix of water time and shore time. You can stay at Las Animas, choose a beach activity, or walk 1.5 kilometers through the rainforest to the Quimixto waterfall. I also like that the crew keeps the ride lively with music, games, and dancing on the way back. The main caution is timing: boarding and the return from the beach can be slow, and rough water may limit snorkeling.

Key points to know before booking

• Los Arcos is the main attraction: Snorkel around Mismaloya’s dramatic rock formations, though water conditions can affect visibility and equipment use.
• A full day on the water: Plan on 7 to 8 hours, including registration, two main stops, and a long return ride.
• Good food coverage: Breakfast, onboard snacks, an open bar, and beach food are included, but restaurant extras cost more.
• Las Animas gives you choices: Stay by the beach, use the included kayak or paddleboard, or pay for another activity.
• Quimixto adds a physical option: The guided rainforest walk is 1.5 kilometers each way to a waterfall where you can swim.
• Bring cash: You will need extra money for the MX$35 port tax, tips, photos, beach activities, and extra food or drinks.

A long day from Puerto Magico

This tour begins at Puerto Magico, the maritime terminal on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, in Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone. Registration starts at 10:10 a.m., and the catamaran leaves at 11 a.m. Build in enough time to find the terminal, register, pass through security, and board without rushing.

The port tax is not included. Set aside MX$35 per person, plus cash for tips, photos, beach activities, and anything you order beyond the included food and drinks. The tour returns to the same meeting point.

The catamaran can carry up to 99 people, so this is not a small private sailing trip. I would expect a busy boat, shared water equipment, and a social mood. That size can work well if you like music and meeting people, but it is less appealing if you want quiet service or plenty of personal space.

The listed duration is 7 to 8 hours. In practice, keep your afternoon and evening open. A delayed departure from Las Animas or a slow return can push the end of the trip later than planned.

Breakfast and bay views on the way south

Once the boat leaves Puerto Magico, you get broad views across Banderas Bay and the Puerto Vallarta shoreline. Breakfast is served during the trip, and the guides explain the day’s activities and equipment.

This first stretch is useful because you can settle into the boat before the active part begins. You can also decide how you want to spend your time at Las Animas. The day is not only a snorkeling trip. It combines a boat ride, water sports, beach time, food, and a party-style ride home.

Snacks are also available aboard the catamaran, including wings, boneless pieces, cheese fingers, dips, and sauce. An open bar is included, but the timing of drink service may not always feel consistent. One report described having to wait for a drink after returning from the beach, despite the open-bar promise. I would treat the bar as a useful extra, not the sole reason to book.

Los Arcos: the best water stop

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is a group of striking rock formations south of Puerto Vallarta. The boat stops here for about two hours, giving you time for the snorkeling activity and related water time.

Before entering the water, the crew gives a short explanation of how to use the snorkeling gear. You then swim near the rocks, where you may see tropical fish, coral, and other marine life. The area is one of the most scenic places on the tour, with the stone arches rising from the sea and the mountains behind them.

The quality of this stop depends heavily on the sea. Calm, clear water can make the snorkeling peaceful and full of fish. Rough water can make it murky, uncomfortable, or unsafe for using all the equipment. One account described limited gear use because the water was too rough, while another found the snorkeling pleasant and saw plenty of fish.

That contrast is important. Do not book this trip expecting a guaranteed clear-water snorkeling session. The crew has to respond to conditions, and a shared swimming area may feel crowded when the boat is full. Still, the stop gives you a chance to see Los Arcos from the water, even if the snorkeling turns out to be shorter or less clear than hoped.

Whale sightings are possible in the area, but they are not promised. One particularly lucky outing included giant whales, adding a memorable moment to the boat ride. Consider that a bonus rather than part of the scheduled program.

Playa Las Animas and the Quimixto choice

After Los Arcos, the catamaran heads to Playa Las Animas. You do not step directly from the catamaran onto the sand. The transfer to the Las Animas pier is made by smaller boat, a detail worth knowing if you have mobility concerns or are carrying beach gear.

You have several ways to use the roughly three hours at this stop. You can relax on the beach, swim, eat the included food, or choose kayaking and paddleboarding. Extra beach activities and restaurant purchases are not included, so bring cash if you want more than the basic plan.

The other option is the walk to Quimixto waterfall. The guided route runs about 1.5 kilometers through the rainforest. At the waterfall, you can take a refreshing swim before returning to Las Animas for food and beach time.

This choice creates a real tradeoff. The waterfall walk adds movement and a more natural setting, but it leaves less time for lounging, swimming, or eating at the beach. If you want a slow beach afternoon, stay at Las Animas. If you are eager to stretch your legs and see another part of the coast, Quimixto gives the day more variety.

The food is served on the beach, and it is included in the tour. I would keep expectations practical rather than culinary. One account found the meal acceptable but slow to arrive. A beach stop with a large group can mean waiting, especially when many people return from the waterfall or water activities at the same time.

The return ride is part of the program

Once the beach portion ends, the catamaran heads back to Puerto Magico. The scheduled return includes about two hours of music, games, and dancing. You also get views of the mountains and open sea, with the possibility of a sunset depending on the day’s timing.

This is not simply transport back to town. The crew treats the final stretch as a party session, which is a strong fit for people who enjoy a lively boat atmosphere. If you prefer a calm ride after a long day, the music and organized activities may feel like too much.

The return can also be slow. A report described the boat moving at a relaxed pace and the overall trip running about an hour beyond schedule. Another account pointed to a long wait before leaving Las Animas. I would not schedule a dinner reservation, airport transfer, or evening show immediately after the stated end time.

That extra time may be frustrating, but it also reflects the kind of experience being sold: a full day rather than a quick transport loop. The value depends on your attitude toward the final ride. If you enjoy being on the water and joining group activities, the delay may be tolerable. If you want a tightly managed schedule, it is a genuine drawback.

Food, drinks, and included activities

The $92.17 price covers more than the boat ride. You receive breakfast, onboard snacks, an open bar, food at Playa Las Animas, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and use of the onboard restroom.

That package makes the price reasonable for someone who plans to use several inclusions. A separate boat ride, snorkeling session, beach meal, and drinks could add up quickly. The value is strongest when you want a social day with most costs handled in advance.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, skip the food, or have no interest in the party atmosphere. Extra restaurant consumption, beach activities, photos, and tips are separate. Add the MX$35 port tax to the advertised price when working out your actual budget.

Food quality and speed may vary. Breakfast and snacks help cover the long day, while lunch at Las Animas gives you a proper beach meal. Still, I would pack a little patience. The food service can take time when a large group arrives at once.

Boat comfort and group size

A restroom is available on board, which matters during a 7 to 8 hour outing. You should also expect a working tour boat rather than a polished luxury yacht. One report raised concerns about loose railing bolts, worn flooring, broken life-jacket clips, and bathroom maintenance.

Those details are worth taking seriously. The crew was described as kind and pleasant, but friendly service does not replace good upkeep. Conditions can change, so I would inspect your life jacket before using it and follow every safety instruction from the crew.

The maximum group size of 99 shapes the entire day. Boarding, equipment distribution, food service, beach transfers, and reboarding all take longer with a large group. The social energy can be fun, but personal service will be limited.

Children from 0 to 2 years old are free. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The tour is near public transportation, but the information provided does not promise a fully step-free experience, especially since the Las Animas transfer uses a smaller boat and the Quimixto route is a 1.5-kilometer walk.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a packed day with several kinds of activity. It suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like a friendly, music-filled boat ride.

It is a good match if you want to combine:

• Los Arcos scenery and snorkeling
• A beach meal at Las Animas
• Optional kayaking or paddleboarding
• A rainforest walk to Quimixto
• Included snacks, drinks, and group entertainment

I would be more cautious if you need precise timing, quiet surroundings, top-level boat maintenance, or a guaranteed snorkeling experience. The water may be rough, visibility may be poor, and the schedule can stretch.

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation is provided when you book. Puerto Vallarta uses GMT-6, so check the local time carefully if you are arriving from another part of Mexico or from abroad.

My booking advice

I would book this catamaran tour if your priority is variety and social energy, not perfect efficiency. The strongest parts are the setting at Los Arcos, the freedom to choose between Las Animas and Quimixto, and the fact that food, drinks, and several water activities are included.

I would not book it for a quiet luxury cruise or a carefully timed snorkeling expedition. The group can be large, beach service can be slow, and the boat may return later than planned. Check the sea forecast if snorkeling is your main goal, and keep your evening free.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

FAQ

Where does the Puerto Vallarta catamaran tour start?

It starts at Puerto Magico, located on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What time should I arrive?

Registration begins at 10:10 a.m., and the catamaran departs at 11 a.m. Allow time to register, pass through security, and board.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling is included, and the crew gives an introduction to using the equipment before you enter the water. Rough conditions may limit how much equipment can be used.

Is food and drink included?

Breakfast, onboard snacks, an open bar, and food at Playa Las Animas are included. Extra restaurant food, additional drinks, and other purchases cost more.

Can I visit Quimixto waterfall?

Yes. At Playa Las Animas, you can choose a guided 1.5-kilometer rainforest walk to Quimixto waterfall. You can swim at the waterfall before returning to the beach.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and the payment is not refunded.